Best Data Science Programs in Nebraska: Find Your Path to Success

Are you interested in pursuing a career in the rapidly growing field of data science? With the increasing demand for skilled data scientists, Nebraska offers a variety of data science programs in Nebraska and opportunities to help you succeed. In this blog post, we will explore the different data science programs, research initiatives, career prospects, networking opportunities, and more available in Nebraska.

Key Takeaways

• Explore data science programs in Nebraska ranging from undergraduate and graduate courses to bootcamps and certificates.

• Access a range of resources, such as student organizations, academic assistance services, internships & mentoring programs for data science students’ success.

• Benefit from university scholarships & external funding opportunities available for data science students in the state.

Exploring Data Science Programs in Nebraska

In Nebraska, there is a wide array of data science programs, from undergraduate and graduate courses to bootcamps and certificates, catering to various interests and skill levels. These programs teach essential skills like data visualization, computer science, data analysis, and software development, making them ideal for those looking to expand their data science knowledge.

Undergraduate Programs

Nebraska universities offer undergraduate data science programs that encompass computer science and related STEM degrees, such as software development. Admission requirements typically include a minimum GPA of 2.0, completion of specific computer science courses in data analytics or related fields, and submission of high school transcripts. Students can expect to take courses that help them gain data science knowledge, such as data organization, manipulation, cleaning, and visualization, introduction to probability, deterministic operations research models, time series analysis, data analytics mathematical modeling, and programming logic and design.

The tuition fees for undergraduate data science programs in Nebraska differ by university. Hence, visiting the specific university’s website is recommended for the most accurate information on tuition fees, including online data science programs.

Graduate Programs

Nebraska offers a diverse range of graduate data science programs, encompassing master’s and Ph.D. levels. The Master of Science in Data Science program at the University of Nebraska Omaha, for instance, aims to provide a flexible, innovative, and technologically advanced education to aspiring data professionals who seek to acquire the expertise necessary to attain corporate leadership roles. On the other hand, the Ph.D. program in Biomedical Informatics at the University of Nebraska at Omaha requires students to complete core courses, research courses, 18 credits of in-depth coursework in a concentration of their choice, adhere to the teaching and dissertation requirements, and pass a comprehensive exam, all within a five-year timeframe. These programs offer comprehensive education in various aspects of data science, such as data organization, manipulation, cleaning, and visualization; data analytics; and working with massive amounts of data.

Master’s of Business Intelligence and Analytics program at Creighton University requires students to complete core courses such as:

• Survey of Business Intelligence and Analytics

• Data Visual Analysis and Visualization

• Database Management Systems

• Business, Ethics, and Society

The duration of the Master of Science in data science program at the University of Nebraska Omaha is 24 months. In Omaha, the on-campus Master’s program in Business Intelligence and Analytics is titled Master’s of Business Intelligence and Analytics.

Bootcamps and Certificates

Nebraska’s data science bootcamps and certificates deliver a compact and practical learning experience in the fundamentals of data science and data analytics. Several data science bootcamps are available in Nebraska, such as Noble Desktop, edX, and Coding Dojo. Additionally, universities in Nebraska offer certificate programs in the field of data science, such as the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s major in data science, the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s certificates in data analytics and data science, and Bellevue University’s master’s program in data science.

Online Data Science Programs in Nebraska

Beyond on-campus programs, Nebraska also provides numerous online data science programs, offering a flexible option for those unable to participate in traditional in-person classes. These online programs include master’s degrees and graduate certificates in data science.

Online Master’s Degrees

Bellevue University and Creighton University offer online Master’s degree programs in data science in Nebraska. Applicants to Bellevue University’s Master of Science in Data Science program must possess a Bachelor’s degree with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.

The program at Southern Methodist University (SMU) offers two specializations: Machine Learning or Business Analytics. Regrettably, the course descriptions for the University of Nebraska’s online Master of Science in Data Science program are not found in the search results.

Online Graduate Certificates

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers an online Business Analytics Graduate Certificate, which is a condensed version of the full Master’s degree. Mandatory courses such as Business Analytics, Introductory Econometrics, and Data-Driven Market Strategy are included in the 12-credit curriculum. Additionally, one elective course is part of the offering..

For those unfamiliar with the tools and techniques used in business analytics, data management, and statistical modeling, resources such as:

• Econometrics

• Business Analytics

• Data Mining Applications

• Strategic Database Marketing

are available.

The online Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln spans 12 credit hours.

Data Science Research and Initiatives at Nebraska Universities

The Nebraska Research Initiative is a state-funded grant program utilized for bioinformatics. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is undertaking a number of research projects in the field of data science, including the Quantitative Life Sciences Initiative. Noteworthy faculty members associated with the data science field at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln include Dr. Patricia E. Hersh, Dr. James Stuart, and Dr. J. David Anderson.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, data science research and initiatives focus on a variety of topics. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln provides a major in data science, which teaches skills in data analysis, data interpretation, and algorithm design. Students can also participate in the Micro-Internship and Mentoring Program, which is dedicated to helping first-generation or underrepresented students acquire professional opportunities.

Additionally, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers support and guidance to data science students in their personal and career development. This includes:

• Providing resources

• Mentors

• Career advisors

• Scholarships

• Financial support for international students.

University of Nebraska-Omaha

The University of Nebraska-Omaha also has a strong focus on data science research and initiatives. The University of Nebraska-Omaha has implemented various initiatives to advance data science in the past five years, including the Master of Science in Data Science program, the UNO Center for Public Affairs Research’s data and research series, and collaborative projects between the UNO Bioinformatics Research Group and various UNMC departments. Noteworthy faculty members in the data science field at the University of Nebraska-Omaha include Sajda Qureshi, Ph.D., and Mahadevan Subramaniam, Ph.D..

The University of Nebraska-Omaha has also been awarded a $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation to extend its efforts in utilizing big data science to enhance bridge health.

Career Prospects for Data Science Graduates in Nebraska

Nebraska presents promising career prospects for data science graduates, projecting employment growth rates of around 10.5% in the professional, scientific, and technical services sector, and 7% in the information industry. Furthermore, graduates from one of Nebraska’s universities have the advantage of being able to more readily establish a network with Nebraska employers.

Data Scientist Salaries in Nebraska

Data scientists in Nebraska earn an average salary of about $101,966 per year. Entry-level salaries vary by city, ranging from $94,000 to $148,000 per year, with Omaha, NE reporting an average entry-level salary of $139,971 annually. The average salary for data scientists in Nebraska is slightly greater than the national average of $99,530 per annum.

The salary range for data scientists in Nebraska typically falls between $54,000 and $100,000 annually. Data scientist salaries in Nebraska differ according to industry, with the mean salary for a data scientist in Nebraska being approximately $125,290 annually.

Student Resources and Support

Nebraska data science students benefit from a variety of support resources, including:

• Student organizations

• Academic assistance services

• Internship opportunities

• Mentoring programs

• Support services for international students

These resources help graduate students succeed in their studies and pursue their professional aspirations.

Student Organizations

Data science-related student organizations in Nebraska include:

• Initialize

• Computing for All

• Student Advisory Board

• CornHacks

• Game Development Club

• OS2G

• Society of Women Engineers

• ACM

These organizations offer their members the opportunity to connect with other students, gain experience, and explore new ways of learning data structures. They strive to improve the student experience and provide a platform for students to interact with those who share an interest in the discipline of data science.

Any student is eligible to join data science student organizations in Nebraska universities. Participation in these organizations can offer a range of advantages, such as:

• Networking possibilities

• Honing of skills

• Practical experience

• Career growth

• A feeling of community and assistance

Academic Support and Internship Opportunities

In Nebraska, academic support programs for data science students include the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s data science major, focusing on data analysis, interpretation, and algorithm design skills; as well as the University of Nebraska Omaha’s data science concentration, preparing students for a career as a data scientist. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln provides academic support to data science students through the College of Engineering’s team of academic advisors and the Academic and Career Advising Center.

Internship opportunities for data science students in Nebraska include data science internships in Omaha and Lincoln, Nebraska. These internships can be identified on job platforms such as LinkedIn, Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and Chegg Internships. Companies in Nebraska offer internships for data science students, granting them invaluable work experience in the field.

Mentoring programs for data science students in Nebraska universities are also available, such as the Micro-Internship and Mentoring Program provided by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the mentoring program offered by the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s College of Information Science and Technology. These programs offer support and guidance to data science students in their personal and career development.

Data Science Scholarships and Funding Opportunities in Nebraska

Numerous scholarships and funding opportunities, both university-based and external, are available for data science students in Nebraska. Some of the university-based scholarships include the Jeffrey Craig Perry Memorial Scholarship Fund, the John Patrick Nicholson IS&T Memorial Scholarship, and the Michael C. Mulder Founding Dean’s Memorial Scholarship. External funding opportunities include the Humanities Nebraska Mini Grant and the Graduate Research and Creative Activity (GRACA) grants.

University-based Scholarships

Nebraska’s university-based scholarships provide financial support to eligible data science students. The types of scholarships available may differ depending on the university, but some common options include:

• Nebraska Career Scholarship

• IT Innovation Scholarship

• Undergraduate Research Scholarship

• Graduate College Scholarships

• Scott Scholars Program

• UNO Scholarships

The eligibility requirements for university-based scholarships for data science students in Nebraska may vary depending on the specific scholarship. Some common requirements may include:

• Being a Nebraska resident

• Possessing a requisite GPA

• Submitting transcripts

• Demonstrating financial need

It is advisable to consult the specific scholarship program’s website for detailed eligibility criteria.

External Funding Opportunities

Data science students in Nebraska may avail of external funding opportunities, including scholarships, grants, fellowships, and financial aid programs offered by universities, private companies, and organizations. Some of the external scholarships available for data science students in Nebraska include:

• EducationQuest Foundation

• Jack Kent Cooke Foundation’s External Scholarships

• Nebraska Career Scholarship

• Harris Striving for Excellence in Data Processing Scholarship

Grants available for data science students in Nebraska include the Humanities Nebraska Mini Grant, NLM Research Grants in Biomedical Informatics and Data Science, and the Nebraska Collaboration Initiative Grants. Additionally, fellowships and financial aid programs are available for data science students in Nebraska from private companies or organizations, such as the University of Nebraska Foundation and private donors at UNMC, scholarships for data science students at UNO, and scholarships for data science students provided by external organizations like the Geneseo Migrant Center.

Data Science Community and Networking in Nebraska

With numerous meetups, communities, conferences, and workshops available, the data science community in Nebraska is flourishing, offering plenty of opportunities for networking and collaboration. These events and communities help data science professionals connect with others in the field, exchange knowledge, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in data science.

Data Science Meetups and Communities

Meetups and communities in Nebraska offer a valuable platform for data science professionals to network and collaborate. The most prevalent data science meetups in Nebraska include Omaha Data Science, Omaha Big Data Meetup, Nebraska Data Analytics Forum, and Nebraska Artificial Intelligence & Deep Learning. At these meetups, participants can discuss topics such as the latest developments in data science, machine learning algorithms, Big Data applications and technology, high-performance computing, data organization, manipulation, cleaning, and visualization, data analytics and business analytics, software engineering for robotics, and internet systems and programming. These meetups typically take place on a monthly basis.

Data Science Conferences and Workshops

Nebraska’s data science conferences and workshops present professionals with opportunities for networking and professional development. The major data science conferences held in Nebraska include:

• The Nebraska Data Users Conference conducted by the UNO Center for Public Affairs Research

• The Women in Data Science (WiDS) Worldwide conference

• The Student Data Science Symposium

• The Nebraska Data Conference

Attending data science conferences and workshops in Nebraska can offer several advantages, including learning opportunities, networking, career progression, collaboration and innovation, and access to resources. Notable speakers and organizations featured at Nebraska’s data science conferences include Women in Data Science (WiDS) Worldwide, ODSC (Open Data Science Conference), Data Science Salon, and the Google Data Cloud Summit.

Summary

In conclusion, Nebraska offers a wealth of opportunities for aspiring data scientists, from comprehensive programs and research initiatives to robust networking and support resources. With a growing demand for skilled data science professionals, pursuing a data science education and career in Nebraska can be a rewarding and fulfilling choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is best program for data science?

R is widely regarded as the best language for data science, due to its open-source platform and focus on domain-specific programming. A range of courses and software, such as the MicroMasters Program in Statistics and Data Science from MIT, provide users with access to powerful data science tools, like SAS, Apache Spark, BigML, D3, MATLAB, Excel, ggplot2 and Tableau.

What majors are best for data science?

For those looking to break into the field of data science, the most common options are Bachelor’s degrees in data science, computer science, mathematics, data analytics, statistics, information technology, business, engineering and physics.

Are data science programs worth it?

A data science degree can open the door to lucrative job opportunities, making it well worth the time and tuition cost. But there are other more affordable options to consider when deciding on a degree program. Ultimately, investing in a master’s degree in data science can be a worthwhile investment if you’re serious about honing your data skills.

What types of data science programs are available in Nebraska?

Nebraska offers a range of data science programs, including undergraduate, graduate, bootcamp, and certificate options.

Are there online data science programs available in Nebraska?

Yes, online data science programs are available in Nebraska, with universities offering master’s degrees and graduate certificates in the field.